My son is 16 and was recently IVCd, we now have him in a substance

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My son is 16 and was recently IVC'd, we now have him in a substance abuse rehab facility due to chronic drug use. He was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 8 and life with him has quite honestly been a nightmare, the older he got, the worst the problems became. Long story short the doctor at the hospital has diagnosed him with Cyclothymia. Everything I have read leads me to Bipolar Disorder, which would actually fit him to the letter. My problem is how can a doctor that has only spent a few days with him come to this conclusion when we have been seeing doctors for his behavior/mood problems for years

But if you want a more accurate diagnosis you can request for an assessment psychologist (or go to one yourself with your son) to do a thorough evaluation on your son to confirm diagnoses.

Dr. Z :

An assessment psychologist runs a battery of tests on your son, then writes a full report in which will be explained to you and your son in full detail about the diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Also a copy of that report will also be given to you.

Dr. Z :

This is considered the best method to get a firm diagnosis for your son that is considered objective

Dr. Z :

I can also recommend a good assessment psychologist near you if you would like as well

Customer:

We have been to psychologist for years. We live in NC I have been from Raleigh to Greenville, but I have heard that it is very difficult to get a bipolar diagnosis for a child. Is that true and if not why hasn't someone mentioned that before now

Dr. Z :

For younger children it is usually difficult to get a Bipolar Diagnosis, but not for someone who is 16 years old. In fact over half of Bipolar Diagnoses occur before an individual reaches the age of 25, so most adolescents and young adults are accurately being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

Customer:

I have read books on bipolar disorder for years and everything I have read fits him to the letter, this diagnosis why it does seem the answer to my prayers, I guess so that I can pinpoint the problem to he is not just a rebellious teenager what are the treatments for this should be able to get him properly diagnosed.

Dr. Z :

An assessment psychologist are not common and typically not cheap and this is why they are not often recommended to patients. Also most diagnoses can be straight forward, but I feel that your son has a lot of variables that can impact his diagnosis, which is why a specialist in assessments may be required

Dr. Z :

With the Cyclothymia diagnosis, is your son being treated with mood stabilizer at all?

Customer:

No, he was using prescription drugs, which is what got us into the drug rehab. When I discharged him from the hospital they sent him to the rehab with no meds at all. The social worker told us that it was really strange to see that usually they come to the rehab on all types of meds. He has taken Prozac and Lexapro in the past but other than his ADHD meds which he refuses to take that is all I know that he has taken. Also, how to I go about finding and assessment psychologist?

Dr. Z :

You did not mention it with the other medications, so I just wanted to make sure.

Customer:

It seems that doctors have always been quick to label him, am I assuming that there is some sort of stigma for someone that has bipolar disorder. I know it is a disorder but can people not go on to live productive lives?

Dr. Z :

I can find an assessment psychologist for you, I would just need your zip code or the name the nearest major city you would want to go to. So with a Bipolar Disorder, antidepressants may make him worse actually and can trigger Mania episodes, which I am sure you are aware of the symptoms associated with mania. This is why an antidepressant should not be given to someone with Bipolar disorder, unless they are on a mood stabilizer as well. The same rule goes to stimulant medications associated with ADHD as well. I am surprised that he was not put on a quality mood stabilizer with the Cyclothymia diagnosis

Customer:

We are in Eastern NC between Raleigh and Greenville

Dr. Z :

There should be no stigma to the Bipolar diagnosis, it is a disorder that causes these symptoms at no fault to his own. They may be labeling him and dismissing him because of substance abuse. I have seen that unfortunately by some professionals.

Dr. Z :

Okay I will look up assessments psychologists in Raleigh and Greenville for you and compile a list, give me a few minutes please

Dr. Z :

So I saw one psychologist that specializes in testing and evaluation, mood disorders, and ADHD in Greenville

Thank you so much I feel like I am closer to having this nightmare come to an end or this may be just the beginning. Life has been such a roller coaster for the past 9 years. Again thanks for your information

I will tell you that...the things you have to go through to be an Expert are quite rigorous.

What Customers are Saying:

I can go as far as to say it could have resulted in saving my sons life and our entire family now knows what bipolar is and how to assist and understand my most wonderful son, brother and friend to all who loves him dearly.
Thank you very muchCorrie MollPretoria, South Africa

I can go as far as to say it could have resulted in saving my sons life and our entire family now knows what bipolar is and how to assist and understand my most wonderful son, brother and friend to all who loves him dearly.
Thank you very muchCorrie MollPretoria, South Africa

I thank-you so much! It really helped to have this information and
confirmation. We will watch her carefully and get her in for the
examination and US right away if things do not improve. God bless you as
well! ClaudiaAlbuquerque, NM

Outstanding response time less than 6 minutes. Answered the question professionally and with a great deal of compassion. KevinBeaverton, OR

Suggested diagnosis was what I hoped and will take this info to my doctor's appointment next week.I feel better already! Thank you.ElanorTracy, CA

Thank you to the Physician who answered my question today. The answer was far more informative than what I got from the Physicians I saw in person for my problem.JulieLockesburg, AR

You have been more help than you know. I seriously don't know what my sisters situation would be today if you had not gone above and beyond just answering my questions. John and StefanieTucson, AZ

I have been dealing with an extremely serious health crisis for over three years, and one your physicians asked me more questions, gave me more answers and encouragement than a dozen different doctors who have been treating me!! Janet VPhoenix, AZ

Psy.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology with a background in treating severe mental illnesses.

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